New App Helps Patients and Their Parents Manage Their Eczema

About 10 to 20 percent of children have atopic dermatitis, the most severe type of eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The symptoms of eczema start during childhood.

The National Eczema Association stated that 65 percent of patients are diagnosed by 1 year of age and 90 percent of patients are diagnosed by 5 years of age.

A July 2012 survey by Mom Central Consulting found that among the 583 mothers they surveyed, only 24 percent felt that they were knowledgeable about eczema. About 33 percent did not know how to effectively treat the condition in their children.

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In addition, the survey found that while 96 percent of mothers have discussed the condition with their child’s doctor, 40 percent were unsatisfied with the interaction.

To help increase awareness about eczema and communication between families and doctors, Bayer HealthCare launched a free app, the Eczema App. It's available at www.theeczemaapp.com/ the App Store and Google Play.

The app allows patients and their families to track flare-ups. They can store photos of affected areas, track them over time, and take notes.

In addition, the app contains information on eczema by age group (infant, toddler, kid, teen and adult) and news from the National Eczema Association www.nationaleczema.org/

EmpowHER talked to Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, and Colleen Padilla, a mother of two children with eczema, about the skin condition and how the Eczema App can help parents of children with eczema.

EmpowHER:

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Dr. Lawrence Eichenfield:

The symptoms of eczema are dry, itchy skin, with red, raised and sometimes oozing rashes. The itching can be a driver of scratching, worsening inflammation in the skin. Sleep can be disturbed due to the itching, causing a set of secondary issues, including tired families as well as tired children!

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.